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Ghana’s parliament finally passes Anti-LGBT+ Law
Ghana’s Parliament has unanimously passed a new law criminalizing activities related to the LGBTQ+ community.
After nearly three years of extensive deliberation, Ghanaian Legislators have finally passed a tough new bill that imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.
The bill, which has been widely condemned by several rights activists, was approved unanimously on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 following the completion of the third reading.
Proposed amendments to the bill were rejected by the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, during the session. The bill, which had the backing of Ghana’s two major political parties, i.e. the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) will come into effect only if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law.
He had previously said that he would do so if the majority of Ghanaians want him to.